HeatSmart, a cost-saving, home energy efficiency program, will streamline the home weatherization process.

Submitted

The Town of West Hartford is excited to announce the kickoff of HeatSmart West Hartford – an initiative aimed at helping homeowners and renters cut their energy costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The town has partnered with local nonprofit, PACE (People’s Action for Clean Energy), and the West Hartford Clean Energy Commission to run the program.

HeatSmart West Hartford is a year-long outreach program that assists residents in accessing the energy efficiency programs and incentives available through Energize Connecticut. The HeatSmart team, consisting of local volunteers and energy experts, will offer educational presentations throughout the year to inform people about efficient heating and cooling choices.

HeatSmart streamlines the home weatherization process by scheduling an energy evaluation for participants. The Home Energy Solutions (HES) visit, which costs just $50 (or no cost for those who are income-eligible) typically provides hundreds of dollars in energy efficiency services. During this assessment, utility-certified technicians evaluate the home’s energy performance, run a safety check of the current heating system, add weather stripping, seal air leaks, and, if desired, add faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. Additionally, the technicians provide written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, water heating, windows, and appliances.

For income-eligible residents, some of these secondary measures may be deeply discounted or provided at no cost. Participants who have an energy assessment completed through the program will be automatically eligible for a $250 prize drawing which will take place in November.

The HeatSmart West Hartford campaign also provides information about heat pump technology, both air source and geothermal. These highly efficient systems use significantly less energy to heat and cool homes than traditional combustion methods. The benefits to the resident are a comfortable, more energy-efficient home that emits fewer greenhouse gases into the environment. Residents who are interested in heat pumps may choose to work with the program’s free energy consultation service provided by the New Haven-based non-profit, I Heart My Home.

Mayor Shari Cantor encourages all town residents to take advantage of this program, “The Town of West Hartford is leading the way in the transition to clean, renewable energy. A proud silver-certified Sustainable CT community, we are continuing our path to sustainability by partnering with People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) to run a HeatSmart campaign. Over 30% of the energy consumed in the state is used to heat and cool buildings. We can all reduce our carbon footprint by making our homes as energy efficient as possible. Becoming a HeatSmart participant, whether you are a homeowner or renter, is a great first step. This education program will help you make informed choices when it comes to your home’s heating and cooling needs and also connect you with resources to improve the efficiency and comfort of your home. Together we can make a big difference.”

Bernard Pelletier of PACE, and a resident of West Hartford, helped design HeatSmart which has been launched in various Connecticut communities. “We piloted this program in Branford in 2020, and even during the pandemic, over 400 households took advantage of the program to make their homes more efficient and learn about heat pump technology,” he said.

HeatSmart West Hartford kicked off on Feb. 9, 2022, and will actively continue through the end of the year. The earlier you participate, the better!  To learn more, to volunteer with the team, or to sign up, call 860-580-9076 and mention “HeatSmart West Hartford” or visit the program website at: HeatSmartCT.org/WestHartford.

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